Finding Alfie

Finding Alfie cover
Good Books rating 4.67

Technical:
  • ID: 273
  • Added: 2025-09-07
  • Updated: 2025-09-07
  • ISBN: 9780702325205
  • Published: 2024-05-09
  • Reviews: 3

Marking the 80th anniversary of the D-Day landings, Michael Morpurgo presents a moving tribute to those who served in World War II through the story of Alfie, a soldier whose small painting of a boat was treasured by Aunty Iris. Inspired by this painting, Morpurgo sets out to discover what happened to Alfie during the war, embarking on a personal quest that leads him from Essex to Normandy. This journey reveals not only Alfie's fate but also the profound impact of memory and the sacrifices of those who served. Published in collaboration with the Royal British Legion and illustrated by Michael Foreman, the book is a heartfelt exploration of history and remembrance aimed at young readers. It highlights the importance of understanding the past to appreciate the present, blending historical reflection with a narrative of discovery and respect for the bravery of wartime service members.

Reviews
primarytimes.co.uk · Unknown · 2025-09-18
inspiring 4.50

Michael Morpurgo's 'Finding Alfie' is a poignant exploration of war and its impact on children, emphasizing the importance of discussing history and its painful realities with young readers. The book draws from Morpurgo's personal experiences and the stories of war veterans, aiming to educate and connect with younger generations.

Michael Morpurgo's 'Finding Alfie' is a heartfelt and timely book that addresses the necessity of talking to children about war and its consequences. Morpurgo, a renowned author known for his historical narratives, shares personal anecdotes and the stories of war veterans to illustrate the importance of understanding history. The book is not just a story but a call to action, urging adults to engage with children about the painful aspects of the human condition, such as war. Morpurgo's own experiences, from growing up in post-war London to meeting veterans, provide a rich backdrop that makes the narrative both relatable and educational. The book aims to bridge the gap between past and present, helping young readers comprehend today's world by learning about yesterday's struggles.


Quick quotes

    I grew up in an age of heroes. I was born in 1943. I spent my early years in post-war London, where our playgrounds were bomb sites.

    How else can we begin to comprehend today, or conceive of tomorrow, if we know nothing about yesterday?

    He much preferred it when people stared, he told me, than when they looked the other way.

ashleighmeikle.com.au · Unknown · 2025-03-07
poignant 4.50

The reviewer praises Michael Morpurgo's 'Finding Alfie' for its poignant exploration of memory, service, and the impact of war. They highlight the book's emotional depth and historical significance, particularly as a reminder of the personal stories behind wartime events.

The reviewer finds 'Finding Alfie' to be a deeply moving and meaningful book by Michael Morpurgo. It tells the story of a young Michael Morpurgo's journey to uncover the fate of Alfie, a soldier loved by his aunt. The book is praised for its gentle and poignant exploration of memory, service, and the enduring impact of war on individuals and communities. The reviewer appreciates how the story humanizes historical events and emphasizes the importance of remembering personal stories. They also note the book's relevance as a reminder of the sacrifices made during World War II, particularly around significant days like ANZAC Day and Remembrance Day.


Quick quotes

    The gentle journey Michael goes on in this book takes him across the Channel to a small village and family that welcomes him, and tells him what they know of Alfie and his what happened to him.

    It’s a reminder that there are stories from war that have far reaching impacts on communities and families in a myriad of ways.

    Books like this remind us of what sacrifice, memory and service mean to people through eloquent stories about family history.

telegraph.co.uk · Unknown · 2024-05-05
poignant 5.00

Michael Morpurgo's Finding Alfie is a poignant tale of D-Day, beautifully illustrated by Michael Foreman. The reviewer praises the book for its intimate narrative and themes of peace and reconciliation, making it a touching tribute to the sacrifices of war.

Michael Morpurgo's Finding Alfie is a poignant tale of D-Day, beautifully illustrated by Michael Foreman. The reviewer highlights how Morpurgo uses intimate narratives to convey the horrors of war, similar to his previous works. The story follows a young Michael as he uncovers the fate of Alfie, a soldier killed during the D-Day landings. The reviewer appreciates the book's central theme of longing for peace and reconciliation, which is echoed in Foreman's uplifting illustrations. This touching story is dedicated to Morpurgo's uncle and serves as a fine tribute to the sacrifices made during the war.


Quick quotes

    Morpurgo says that as a young man he was heavily influence by the poets of the First World War, whom he credits with inspiring him to abandon the army and become a writer.

    He has spoken of his stories as “kites of peace flying high

    The sentiment is echoed in the simple, uplifting illustrations by 86-year-old Michael Foreman, whose own books include The Amazing Story of Ali Pasha, based on the true story of a sailor in the First World War who rescued a tortoise from the battlefields of Gallipoli.